1ten·der 
/ˈtɛndɚ/ adjective
ten·der·er; ten·dest /ˈtɛndɚ/ adjective [or more tender; most tender] 1 : very loving and gentle : showing affection and love for someone or something
▪ He gave her a tender look. ▪ She was tender and loving with her new child. ▪ tender words ▪ a tender love song 2 of food : easy to chew or bite : not tough
▪ a tender, juicy steak ▪ Cook the pasta until it is just tender. 3 : painful when touched : sore
▪ Her wrist was swollen and tender. 4 : easily damaged : delicate and weak
▪ tender young plants — sometimes used figuratively ▪ He has a tender [=sensitive] ego. ▪ tender pride
▪ He gave her a tender look. ▪ She was tender and loving with her new child. ▪ tender words ▪ a tender love song
▪ a tender, juicy steak ▪ Cook the pasta until it is just tender.
▪ Her wrist was swollen and tender.
▪ tender young plants — sometimes used figuratively ▪ He has a tender [=sensitive] ego. ▪ tender pride
tender loving care
: extra attention to make someone or something look or feel better
▪ You need a little tender loving care. [=TLC] ▪ an antique chair that needs some tender loving care
▪ You need a little tender loving care. [=TLC] ▪ an antique chair that needs some tender loving care
tender (young) age
: a very young age
▪ She left home at the tender young age of 14. ▪ He was playing the piano at a tender age.
▪ She left home at the tender young age of 14. ▪ He was playing the piano at a tender age.
— ten·der·ly adverb [more tenderly; most tenderly]
▪ He kissed her tenderly. ▪ She will be tenderly cared for.
▪ He kissed her tenderly. ▪ She will be tenderly cared for.
— ten·der·ness noun [noncount]
